HELEN AND PARIS

by

G.E. FARRELL

Scene: A man enters from stage left. He is blind, bearded, middle aged. He carries a staff and is dressed in a robe. He comes to center stage where a bench without a back is placed for him. He sits and faces the audience. He addresses them

Homer:

I am he who is called Homer, poet of the ancient time and blessed of the gods. I beseech you to join me now as I take you to the shores of mighty Troy, also known as Illium, and there relate the story and the fate of Helen and Paris and their love that destroyed a great city-state. Permit me to reveal the mighty towers of fabled Troy besieged by the armies of Argos led by the mighty Agamemnon. Among the host are the great Achilles, the brave Ajax, the clever Odysseus, all determined to return the beauteous Helen to her husband Menelaus of Sparta, brother to Agamemnon, and to avenge the wrong that brought her here.

While on a mission for his father Priam, king of Troy, Paris did visit Sparta and partake of the king's hospitality. When he met Helen, Queen of Sparta and wife of the king, he was smitten by the gods with love. He could not leave without her and did abduct her while her husband was away. And she, the most beautiful of all women, did fall in love with her abductor and did aid him in his flight leaving behind her children, her husband, her throne, all but her jewels. Here they came with their love and treasure taken from Menelaus of Sparta.

The king did send forth a call for justice throughout Argos, also known as Greece. His brother Agamemnon raised a great host to wrest from Illium the beautiful Helen and to punish the despoiler Paris. And now after many years, siege continues despite the efforts of Priam's heroic son, and Paris's brother, Hector and the grief of Hecuba, Queen of Troy.

I bid you join me now to see these people whom the gods have blessed with beauty and fortune, love and pride. Come with me and the muses to the fabled walls and legendary plains of mighty Troy, there to learn of the fate of Helen and Paris. (He rises and exits. The bench is removed.)

The lights come up on the walls of Troy. Hecuba, Queen of Troy, stands looking out over the plain below. Hector's wife Andromache enters.

Andromache:

Good morning, mother. How do you feel this day?

Hecuba:

Quite well. It is a lovely morning, is it not?

Andromache:

Lovely indeed. The sun and the breeze fill the air together.

Hecuba:

Yes, they do. Would that we could visit the shore and wade in the sea. I have not done so since I was a girl. It's strange how we wish things we cannot have only because we cannot have them.

Andromache:

To wade in the sea is little to ask for a queen, mother. The accursed Greeks deny us even such small pleasures. If only we could give them the Spartan woman and be done with this war.

Hecuba:

It is our fate I'm afraid. And we must bear it.

Andromache:

I bear it for the good of Troy and my family. But it is not so simple. My Hector is our champion but each time he risks his life for us, I die a little for fear that he will one day not return to me and his son. And to you his mother and the king.

Hecuba:

And I his mother feel each pang and each terror. But even a queen is powerless against such remorseless force and violence. Clouds. I see clouds. The day is not so lovely as I had thought. (She exits.)

Andromache:

How I wish that I could keep my tongue. How bad I feel when I cause her pain but I cannot continue to suffer in silence the fear that my husband will die before these walls. (Enter Hector)

Hector:

Andromache. I've just seen my mother and she appears upset.

Andromache:

It's my fault. I could not keep my fears from her and I have caused her grief. I am so sorry.

Hector:

She suffers greatly from the siege. As do we all. Do not apologize. The queen feels as strongly as do you.

Andromache:

Can't you prevail upon him to send her back? Please make him see the anguish he is causing for the love of that woman. We have made many sacrifices for this land, many have given their lives. Can't he sacrifice too?

Hector:

It's not just Paris. The people have come to love her. They are proud to have her among them and to defend her.

Andromache:

Yes, she is loved. I too love her. But she has brought this misfortune on us and to end it we must give her up. Return her to her husband and her child.

Hector:

I doubt that the return of Helen will satisfy them now; after all these years and the blood and the loss, a decision must result. But I will speak with Paris again. You know that I will.

Andromache:

I know you will. And I love you so.

Hector:

Who would have thought that love could be an accursed thing. The gods do play with us and their play takes strange form indeed.

Andromache:

Surely you don't mean that our love is accursed.

Hector:

No, of course not. I was speaking of Helen and Paris and the admiration of the people for them.

Andromache:

Don't go to the plains today.

Hector:

No, I have no plans to do so. Yesterday was hard enough on both sides. The funeral pyres will soon darken the morning sky. Even the sun must take second place to this damned war.

Andromache:

Do not speak so, my love. I will curse the war for you but you must not. You are Troy's champion. If the people hear you speak so, they will lose heart. Then all will be lost. The Greeks will pull down the city and enslave us all. The war is hateful but it must be borne.

Hector:

How strange you are to hate something but to do what is necessary to further it.

Andromache:

My brethren fight. I must support them though their cause is not the best. Yes I hate it but I must support it or deprive them of that which they need most to survive.

Hector:

Here comes Helen. (Helen enters.) Good morning, lady.

Helen:

Hector. Andromache. What news?

Hector:

None. Today we burn the corpses of the dead from yesterday. The smell offends you, so you'd best stay indoors.

Helen:

Yes, I will. But I must have light and air first. A fair morning.

Andromache:

Yes, it is. Would that we could look forward to a fair day.

Helen:

I wish that we could look forward to a life of fair days, but it's not to be. Will you walk with me?

Andromache:

Of course.

Hector:

Excuse me. I have business to attend to. (He bows and exits.)

Helen:

Hector's work is never done, is it?

Andromache:

No. Nor is ours. Only the sleep of the tomb brings rest from it.

Helen:

Let's not speak of tombs, corpses and war. For just a little while, let's speak of other things.

Andromache:

Of course. (They exit.)

Scene: The hall of the palace where Priam, king of Troy, sits looking disconsolate. Paris, his son, paces about.

Paris:

Why should I not challenge Menelaus. This dispute is between him and me, not between Greece and Illium. I am man enough; I too am a great warrior. Or I would be if given the opportunity. Hector is not the only warrior whom our mother has borne. I have a right to take my place among those who have fiught the battle. Helen is my woman and I should fight for her.

Priam:

Do not try me in this way, Paris. You are not made for a warrior. Menelaus would make short work of you and the fortunes of this realm would be left to his mercy. I cannot sacrifice the people of this kingdom to your pride. As much love as I have for you, I cannot do that. Do not press me further in this.

Paris:

Must you unman me before the people? Will you have them whisper that I am a coward? I have a right to this.

Priam:

All are aware that you seek to go into battle but that I forbid it. They do not call you coward in whispers or in shouts.

Paris:

You don't hear them.

Priam:

Nor do you. Enough. We must attend to our dead now. They have given their all for us and deserve honorable rights. I must preside. Let me hear no more of this desire that you have to do battle with Menelaus. Your mother and I could not bear to part with you. (He exits.)

Paris:

Nor I from you but I am a man and a man must be permitted to act as a man and not hide away in this palace. I would make short work of menelaus if only I could come to blows with him. I'm treated like a woman while Hector receives the glory. It is I whom Helen loves. It is I who should defend her. (Hector enters.) Ah, brother. How are you today?

Hector:

I am fine and you, Paris?

Paris:

I have just been entreating father to permit me to do mortal combat with Menelaus. He forbids it.

Hector:

As you knew before you pressed him no doubt.

Paris:

He says that I am not made for war. But he's wrong and you are also wrong in agreeing with him.

Hector:

I said nothing.

Paris:

I know what you think.

Hector:

What do I think?

Paris:
That I'm selfish, lazy and a coward.

Hector:

No! I don't think of you as lazy or a coward. It takes courage and persistence to woo and win the most beautiful woman in the world and then spirit her away from her husband, the king of Sparta.

Paris:

I'm not selfish either.

Hector:

No, you're not. That's why I've come to talk to you.

Paris:

I won't give her up.

Hector:

How do you know that that's what I want?

Paris:

I know your mind. I won't return her to her husband. And she won't return even if I were to ask her. You're wasting your time.

Hector:

The funeral pyres are being built as we speak. Thousands have died in this war. Thousands could have been spared. I'm asking you to spare the thousands who will yet die by ending it. Return her. She means nothing to you. You've never been faithful to her. You have your choice of the women of Troy, married and unmarried. You keep her only to spite the Greeks. Send her back.

Paris:

I will send back all of the treasure that we took from Sparta. I will even add to it from my own possessions. But I will not surrender Helen. I'm sorry.

Hector:

But why? What possible satisfaction can you gain from the misery that it causes?

Paris:

She is my woman. If the Greeks will accept the treasure, they may have it. Otherwise, I can do no more. (Paris exits.. Hector takes the seat that his father used and sits looking disconsolate.)

Scene: Homer enters.

Homer:

And now we visit the encampment of the warlike Argives and their mighty leader Agamemnon on the shores of the wine dark sea. For nine years they have been here before the walls of Illium. For nine years they have been at war. For nine years they have been away from home suffering and dying of wounds and disease while seeking the destruction of the city and the subjugation of its people. (He exits.)

Scene: The Greek camp where Agamemnon enters and peers at the walls of Troy. Menelaus enters a moment later.

Agamemnon:

We have been here too long and fought too many battles to be here on the plain still.

Menelaus:

I agree but here we are nevertheless. And no blame to be had. The men and their leaders have demonstrated skill and courage beyond the praise of poets. Those of Illium are equal to the task though.

Agamemnon:

Yes, we must give them credit, damn them. We'll have a council of war after the funeral ceremonies have been completed. We must find a way to bring this war to an end before it destroys us all.

Menelaus:

Odysseus has been thinking of the same problem.

Agamemnon:

That's good. We'll have use for his advice. Come, the ceremonies are about to begin. (They exit.)

Scene: The tent of Achilles where Achilles and Odysseus drink and talk.

Odysseus:

We've been battering and battling the Trojans for many long years now. There must be another way to take the city.

Achilles:

And what way is that? The spear and the sword are the only tools to take a city. You are a man given to conspiracy and deception, Odysseus. Those talents will not serve you in this matter. Only strength and struggle will succeed.

Odysseus:

They haven't succeeded yet and we've been here too long. If only we could get some of our soldiers into the city to open the gates, we could storm inside and end this war.

Achilles:

You are an amusing fellow. How do you suggest that we get our soldiers into the city when we can't even approach the walls without a hale of missiles?

Odysseus:

I don't know but we must do it somehow.

Achilles:

You rely on your tricks; I'll rely on my arms and my soldiers. More wine?

Odysseus:

Surely. (They exit.)

Scene: Before the tent of Ajax, a Greek champion. He is a short, stout man. He sits on a stool next to a table from which he picks food and eats. A serving girl keeps the table filled with food for him. Standing nearby is Menelaus.

Ajax:

This is life as it should be lived. Food, drink, war and my wife and son near me. The gods have done well by me, Menelaus. I wish for no more. Neither fame nor glory have any attraction for me.

Menelaus:

Fame and glory follow you, Ajax. The enemy fears you as no other man with the possible exception of Achilles. Your deeds of valor are the talk of Greece. Fame and glory indeed.

Ajax:

The war has been good to me; may the gods forgive me for saying so. The lazy times of peace hold no attraction for me I admit. However, our people wish this war over and I must do what I can to obey their will. I must not put my love of war before the people's desire or my soldiers' well being as much as I would do so. You are not of the same mind. (To the serving girl.) Refill the cup of King Menelaus. (To Menelaus) The wine is not so good as that of other generals and makes no pretense to be. But it does well for me.

Menelaus:

Your tastes are simple.

Ajax:

Have you a plan to end the siege? (He waves the girl into his tent. She exits.)

Menelaus:

I wish I did. We're calling a counsel of war in the hope that all together we may find a plan.

Ajax:

I'll attend of course. But counsels of war are not for planning but for giving orders for the execution of plans already agreed on. I will obey my orders though. All together we will only find disagreement and confusion.

Menelaus:

You don't believe in counsels?

Ajax:

Not for war. Combat is simple. We meet our enemy and we fight until we win or we lose. Good generals know this. Counsels are for politicians not generals. I say nothing against your brother. He is a good general but the tendency to seek counsel too often can only lead to confusion. I say strike with all of our strength. If that doesn't work, strike again and again. With each strike do what execution we can.

Menelaus:

That strategy has not gotten us through the city walls. Though it has lost us many fine men and caused sorrow throughout the country.

Ajax:

Yes, that's the cost. But you knew that when you asked us to join you. Blood and death are all that we have to look forward to. Nothing else will bring victory.

Menelaus:

I fear that you're right though I wish you were not. Achilles agrees with you.

Ajax:

For all the pomp and noise, Achilles and I are just two simple soldiers. We know about battle but strategy is not among our talents.

Menelaus:

I will carry your views to Agamemnon.

Ajax:

Do that. And tell him that I will follow whatever orders I receive.

Menelaus:

We never thought otherwise. Farewell.

Ajax:

Farewell, Menelaus. Ah, my wife comes. Just in time. (The two men exit.)

Scene: Agamemnon's tent where Odysseus, Achilles, Menelaus, Patroclus and Ajax are assembled.

Odysseus:

I cannot agree. The constant assembly of troops to attack the city has brought us only frustration. It is these tactics that are the reason for this conference. They have proven a terrible failure and have cost us dearly in time and in blood. Another way must be found.

Achilles:

Odysseus wishes to use deceit but deceit will not succeed. The Trojans are on their guard. If our battles have proven anything, they prove that the Trojans are vigilant. We cannot simply sneak into the city and sack it before their eyes.

Patroclus:

I agree that we can't do that but suppose we could infiltrate a small number into the city and take Helen. We would then return her to King Menelaus and sail for home.

Agamemnon:

Would that it were so simple. Besides the hazards of sending men into the city, even if successful, they would not end the war. The city must be taken and destroyed. Otherwise, it will remain the problem that it has been for so long. And we will be seen as having failed even were we to restore Helen to Sparta. No, we must sack the city. How we do that is the problem.

Ajax:

Why does not Menelaus challenge Paris to single combat and should he win, the Trojans surrender the city.

Achilles:

What if he loses?

Menelaus:

I would not lose.

Achilles:

I mean no slight to you, Menelaus. But the gods decide these things, not we. And contingencies must be considered.

Odysseus:

He's correct.

Ajax:

If Menelaus is slain we will sail away. Honor will be satisfied.

Menelaus:

I will offer the challenge.

Agamemnon:

You should think before volunteering. I cannot order you to offer combat and I cannot order you to refrain, but I do caution you not to agree in haste to what an hour hence you may regret.

Menelaus:

I do not agree in haste to anything. You know that as my superior and my brother. For some time now I have been considering whether to offer such a challenge and spare the bloodshed that has taken so many great and brave men from Argos. If Paris will fight, I will meet him before the walls of the city and the eyes of my comrades.

Odysseus:

Can we convince the army to sail away without the spoils of war? I'm not so sure.

Patroclus:

I agree with Menelaus that his defeat is not a real possibility but if the gods intervened and he should fall, we could tell the army that sailing away is only a ruse.

Achilles:

Would you lie to the army that has suffered so on these plains? I could not.

Agamemnon:

No, that we cannot do. We will tell them the truth: that we have recovered Helen and the honor of Argos has been satisfied. Then we will pay them off and transport them to their homes.

Menelaus:

I agree. And I will give to each of them a bonus for having left their homes to help me recover my wife and my honor.

Achilles:

We cannot leave this field with the city walls intact. It would dishonor us to do so. I will fight to the death before I'll abandon the siege.

Agamemnon:

You are a great soldier, Achilles, a warrior beyond compare. The Sibyl has foretold that it will be centuries before another even approaching your repute will be born in a place called Macedonia. However, you're also a general who must look to the well being of those under his command. If we can end this siege without further slaughter we're obligated to do so. Even a king cannot forego the possibility.

Achilles:

The Myrmidons have followed me here for glory and for plunder, not for a bonus from Menelaus. Their brothers and their fathers have given their lives to take the city. They only wish to do the same.

Odysseus:

But what of their wives and their mothers? Having lost their husbands and their sons, would you condemn them to the poverty of widowhood for glory? Would you have them stand by their door each morning and afternoon looking to the sea, never to look upon their returning men, Achilles? Is the city worth that?

Achilles:

You're correct of course. You're always right, Odysseus. Does it never trouble you? I will agree for the sake of my soldiers and their women, but not for my own.

Odysseus:

Your honor cannot be questioned, Achilles. The annals will record that you do not agree for yourself and that you take this action to save your men and their women further suffering. For myself, I agree because I wish to return to Ithaca. How will the challenge be made?

Agamemnon:

Flag of truce.

Menelaus:

I'll prepare the challenge and my weapons. (He exits.)

Ajax:

I'm going to prepare for dinner. (He exits.)

Odysseus:

Little disturbs Ajax.

Patroclus:

His appetites, his family and his reputation are his only concerns. So long as he is not dishonored, glory be damned.

Achilles:

I wish I were the same. (The scene fades.)

Scene: The palace of Troy where Hector, Paris, Priam and Aeneas meet are together.

Aeneas:

He cannot refuse, father. He would be a coward and despised throughout the world.

Priam:

Perhaps, but what is the value of men's respect to the dead?

Hector:

Would you have our house and our name attached to that of a coward? It can't be done. But there's no shame in having a champion appear for him.

Paris:

You?

Hector:

Yes.

Paris:

No. I have the right to glory and I'll not surrender it to anyone, not even my brother.

Priam:

The Greeks will not accept a champion. They demand Paris.

Aeneas:

It's a trick; you know that it's a trick. They can't break us with their siege so they've chosen personal combat. We should refuse it. Let them continue to batter themselves against our walls. Eventually they'll grow tired and withdraw.

Paris:

But when? We may all die of age and disease by then. No, we must end this now. I will fight Menelaus.

Priam:

How do we know that it will be Menelaus. They may send Achilles.

Hector:

His wife can identify him.

Paris:

I can identify him.

Aeneas:

After ten years siege we should be able to identify all of them.

Priam:

I've never seen them without their armor. I would not even know Agamemnon except for the helmet that he wears. The same with Achilles. Men of such fame could pass me without their armor and I wouldn't know them from a common servant.

Paris:

It's decided then.

Priam:

I'm not pleased as a father but as a king I have no choice but to agree.

Paris:

I'll tell Helen. (He exits.)

Priam:

He should prepare for the combat and leave the work of messengers to messengers.

Hector:

It's best that she learn it from him.

Priam:

Perhaps. We have duties to attend to now. Let us go. (They exit.)

Scene: Helen's chamber where she sits before a mirror while a servant brushes her hair. There is a knock.

Helen:

Enter. (Paris enters.) You have news. What is it?

Paris:

Menelaus has challenged me to single combat to decide the issue.

Helen:

No! Not you. (To the servant. The servant exits.) Leave us. (To Paris.) You're not going to accept.

Paris:

Of course I am. How can I not accept? Would you have me thought a coward? You and my parents seem to thin that honor means nothing.

Helen:

We love you more than honor. What difference does it make if people think you a coward? What difference what they think at all? You're a prince of Troy. And I love you. Let them say what they want. Don't do it.

Paris:

You're hysterical. I must do it.

Helen:

He'll kill you.

Paris:

No one is going to kill me. I will win the combat and bring this damned war to an end. Then you and I can live and love without the shadow of Menelaus always between us.

Helen:

There has never been anything between us except our love. And there's nothing except love between us now. Let them continue their siege; they'll tire of it. I know Menelaus; I'm his wife. He's a mighty warrior; you won't defeat him. Ignore the challenge.

Paris:

Until now, I didn't know what you thought of me. I am as much a warrior as any man. For too long you and my parents have kept me here in the palace while others went into battle. It's my day now and I won't be deprived of it.

Helen:

I made no comment on your honor or your courage or ability. I only know that I must persuade you to avoid danger. What point is there to love when one of the lovers is dead? No, Paris. Don't accept. I beg you, don't accept. I, a queen, get down on my knees to you and beg that you don't accept. Smile, laugh if you will. Think me a fool but say no to this challenge.

Paris:

I'm not smiling at your concern, Helen. I don't make light of your love. It was something else that made me smile. I must accept Menelaus's challenge. I can't say no. Please understand.

Helen:

Understand? Understand what? That you choose your honor over my love?

Paris:

I choose the life of Troy which I am duty bound to serve but I don't reject your love, Helen. It's for your love that we are besieged. Please don't say that I reject it.

Helen:

Will nothing dissuade you?

Paris:

I'm sorry but I must accept.

Helen:

Then go.

Paris:

Will you not wish me good fortune?

Helen:

Go and be damned. (Paris exits. After a moment, Helen runs after him.) Paris. Wait! (She exits.)

Scene: Homer enters. He is weary and disturbed.

Homer:

For a decade this siege has gone on while Trojan and Greek has bled and died. Now in desperation two men will meet in single combat to determine who shall be the victor. The gods have intervened on each side, heroes of immortal repute have fought and died, yet it is to be determined by two men who will fight to the death. Two men who have brought on the misery and the glory that ages unborn shall wonder at and honor. Is it to be in the hands of the gods no more? (He exits.)

Scene: Before the walls of Troy, Paris and Menelaus face each other in armor and with sword and shield. They run at each other and meet with a crash. They fight. First Menelaus has the better of the fight, then Paris, then Menelaus again.

Scene: On the walls of Troy, Helen Priam, Hecuba, Aeneas, Hector and Andromache watch the combat.

Hecuba:

Is that indeed menelaus?

Helen:

Yes, it is Menelaus. Achilles is the tall man in golden armor with the horse hair in his helmet.

Hecuba:

He is very young for so famous a man.

Helen:

Yes, very young.

Hecuba:

Too young for such a place as this scene of war.

Helen:

Yes. Too young.

Hecuba:

I cannot watch any longer. (She exits.)

Priam:

I tried to dissuade her from coming here to see her son in mortal combat but she insisted.

Aeneas:

Perhaps you too should go, father.

Priam:

No, I must remain though I wish I could follow the queen away from this place.

Helen:

The man with the staff is Odysseus. The tall one is Agamemnon himself. The stout fellow is Ajax. Don't they look magnificent before their armies?

Hector:

Perhaps you should wait in the palace. We will come to you when it is over.

Helen:

How can I? Is it not because of me that your brother fights for his life? Is it not because of me that the armies of Argos are drawn up on the shore before the city to witness the combat? How can I hide in the palace? No, I must be here. I must show myself to the Greeks and the Trojans. They must witness my courage as I tear my palms with my fingernails to keep from fleeing this place. No, I will watch proudly as my lover and my husband fight to the death. Then I will flee.

Hector:

I would take his place if I could.

Andromache:

Whose place? You've done enough. Let's just be thankful that it will soon be over one way or the other.

Hector:

This is not the way.

Andromache:

Any way that ends the carnage is the way.

Hector:

And if Paris is killed and you sold into slavery?

Andromache:

That's not an alternative. They will only determine where Helen lives. How torn she must be between the lover of her heart and the husband that she's dishonored. I wouldn't wish to be in her place.

Hector:

Nor will you be. Ah! Paris has landed a splendid blow.

Aeneas:

But Menelaus recovers quickly. He fights well. We should not permit our fame and honor to depend on the strength and ability of Paris.

Hector:

It was for father to decide. Another hard blow. I am pleasantly surprised by his ability.

Aeneas:

So am I. But I'm also discouraged by Menelaus's ability.

Priam:

Menelaus is a mighty warrior but not of the caliber of Achilles or Ajax or Patroclus. It's a small mercy that he does not fight one of those.

Helen:

For me it's no mercy at all.

Andromache:

Don't look for mercy in this life. They're moving away.

Aeneas:

Paris has him on the defensive. Come. (They exit.)

Scene: Paris and Menelaus continue to fight. Paris seems to prevail, then Menelaus seems to prevail, etc. Menelaus smashes Paris's shield and disarms him. Paris drops to his knees. Menelaus approaches with his sword raised.

Scene: Helen screams. She runs off.

Scene: Paris throws sand in Menelaus's face blinding him. Paris then runs off.

Menelaus:

Coward! Come back! Stand! (Menelaus follows Paris off.)

Scene: Helen's chamber where she sits at her dressing table. She holds a knife in her hand and raises it to her face.

Helen:

All that my beauty has brought me is grief and shame, misfortune and pain. I'll never be happy until I rid myself of this damned curse. (There is a knock at the door. The servant's voice is heard.)

Servant:

(O.S.) Lady! Lady! Why is your door locked? I know that you're in there. Open the door. Lady! Please open the door and let me in. I know you're in there. I saw you go in. Open the door, please. I'm frightened. Please don't do anything. Please open the door, lady. I've served you for so long and been so good to you; don't do this to me. Don't lock me out. Please, lady, I beg of you. Open this door. Don't leave me here frightened and confused. Don't worry those who love you by locking your door against them. Do not fret us with such behavior. It's cruel.

Helen:

Go away.

Servant:

(O.S.) Thank the gods that you're not harmed. Open the door, lady. Please let me in so that I may help you.

Helen:

I want no help, no love. I want only to be left alone.

Servant:

(O.S.) But why? It is wrong to be alone. I am your lady and should be with you. Please don't leave me out here. (Helen opens the door. The servant rushes in excitedly.)

Helen:

You'll rouse the whole city if you're not quiet.

Servant:

I was concerned about you.

Helen:

Why don't you leave me in peace?

Servant:

I've come to tell you that the fight is ended and Lord Paris lives.

Helen:

Lives!

Servant:

Yes, my lady.

Helen:

He killed Menelaus?

Servant:

No. They both live. Lord Paris fled into the city. King Menelaus attempted to enter but was repulsed by soldiers.

Helen:

Fled? How do you mean? Did he run away?

Servant:

Yes, my lady. (Helen Exits. The servant follows after her.)

Scene: The palace where Priam, Hector and Aeneas are together.

Priam:

The shame will never pass. Never. What curse have the gods placed on me that I must risk the lives of my sons and then suffer such a humiliation. They have rendered him neither dead nor alive before the entire world.

Hector:

There's nothing for it but to defend our homes to the end.

Aeneas:

I'm ready to die in that defense.

Hector:

We may have little choice. We must see to the troops.

Priam:

How am I to address them after this?

Hector:

You must, father. You must convince them that their duty lies in fighting for their homes and families and not in giving up and fleeing.

Aeneas:

They won't flee.

Hector:

We must be seen.

Priam:

Yes, you're right. Come. (They exit.)

Scene: Paris enters slowly, carefully, looking about him as he does so.

Paris:

(Calls) Father. Mother? Hector? Aeaneas? Helen? Have they all gone? Have they all left to avoid me? I could not face death when it came to me. I could not accept my end in the dust. I'm a coward after all. The cliches and the boasts mean nothing when one's life is there to be lost, when the end has come and one need only run to avoid it. Now, I must leave Troy. I can't live here among the survivors after what I've done. But it's better to roam the earth than to lie beneath it. (Helen enters.) You saw what happened.

Helen:

No.

Paris:

You've been told.

Helen:

Yes. But it makes no difference.

Paris:
I'll have to leave here.

Helen:

I'll go with you.

Paris:

No. I couldn't ask it.

Helen:

I insist.

Paris:
We'll be despised.

Helen:

As we are already. Let the world despise us so long as we're together.

Paris:

I'll be called a coward.

Helen:

What difference does that make? (Enter Hecuba)

Hecuba:

Thank the gods that you're safe.

Paris:

Mother! I thought that you'd abandoned me in shame.

Hecuba:

What shame? Is a mother to abandon a son because he lives? Never.

Paris:

I've brought dishonor on our family and our city.

Hecuba:

That's for men to determine, not women. I only care that my son has returned safe from his ordeal. Come to me, let me hold you. (He approaches and she hugs him.) I will go to your father and soften him toward you. He's angry right now but he'll calm down when he understands that you are not he, or Hector or Aeneas. (To Helen.) Come, Helen. You can assist me. (They exit.)

Paris:

If only women understood. There is no life without honor, no survival without courage. One may exist but not live. Women believe that a few tears and a clasp will put all right but they don't. There are matters in this world that can only be decided by force and men must be up to the challenge when all else fails. To run in the face of the enemy is to lose one's manhood and render one no better than a common beast that exists to eat, fornicate and bear burdens. My father understands this and therefore cannot forgive my cowardice. May the gods forgive me but I'd rather exist as a beast with Helen than die as a man without her. For her, I will accept even that. (He exits.)

Scene: Agamemnon's tent where Agamemnon, Menelaus, Achilles, Patroclus, Ajax and Odysseus are gathered.

Achilles:

No shame attaches to you, Menelaus. You did all that honor could do to save your countrymen and fellow Greeks from the continuation of this war.

Ajax:

How could he display such cowardice before his own city folk. Has he no shame at all?

Patroclus:

None apparently. What do we do now?

Odysseus:

Another srategy must be found.

Achilles:

Enough with strategy. We must give battle. War is the only answer to such cowardice and shame. The city must be destroyed and the people who protect it put to the sword.

Odysseus:

Even though it means your own life?

Achilles:

What is life without honor? I'm not like Paris. I can face death.

Odysseus:

There's a better way�

Agamemnon:

No more, I pray you. We will attack the city in the morning. Let's rest now and prepare. (All bow and exit. Agamemnon exits in the opposite direction.)

Scene: Homer enters and addresses the audience.

Homer:

The gods are wroth with Greek and Trojan alike and repay their folly with great slaughter and much grief. The roll of the dead is long and glorious beginning with the great Achilles, slain with an arrow fired from concealment by the cowardly Paris. But not before the great Achilles sent the brave Hector across the river to dwell in the land of the dead. Patroclus, Ajax and many thousands of others have spilt their blood on the plains of Troy this day. But the gods have not felt it seemly to permit the city to fall. Thus, as so often with violence, all is for nought, the mothers and wives and children mourn for the fallen hero but the carnage solves nothing.

After the funeral rights for the fallen the Greeks agree to give Odysseus his opportunity to take the city and end the war. And by the merest strategem he does so. The gates of Illium open to the men of Agros who enter with fire and sword. Priam is slain with his sons, Paris among them. Only Aeneas survives and he is fled. The women are taken in to captivity. Oh fabled Troy, when will your agony end? (He exits.)

Scene: The halls of Priam's palace where Hecuba and Andromache enter. The hall is a ruin. The two women are chained together. They are naked. Greek soldiers stand about, laughing and smirking at the naked women. Yet, the two women hold their heads high. Agamemnon enters.

Agamemnon:

What goes on here? Why are these women unclothed?

Soldier:

They are captives, my lord.

Agamemnon:

Do we strip our women captives and parade them naked before the soldiers? This noble, elder lady was a queen and her companion the wife of a hero. (He removes his cloak and places it over the two women.) Forgive these ignorant men, ladies. They know no better. Have you been otherwise harmed?

Hecuba:

Take your cloak from me. I'm not ashamed to be naked if the alternative is to be clothed in the garment of a Greek. And Agamemnon above all Greeks. Better I should be ravaged by your soldiers than accept gift or kindness from you.

Agamemnon:

I meant only to save your modesty, lady. Your white hair is protection against ravage. But I don't know that your companion shares your opinion.

Andromache:

My husband, my child, my father. All are dead. Save your courtliness for one who can be aided by it. I am dead too, though I stand before you. A life of slavery in a foreign land is our fate. Better we should be dispatched here and now as to live a slave's existence and see our homes no more. I cannot speak for my mother, the queen, but for me I beg you as you are a man, a king and a general, give me to your soldiers for their pleasure if you wish but end this existence that has become so burdensome. End it with your sword or your spear. Throw me from the walls. Anything but to live without my child and my husband so violently taken. If kindness or courtesy is in you, do what you will but bring my life to its end.

Agamemnon:

I cannot. That your men are dead and you are captive is in accord with the rule of war. I cannot change it. Nor can I take your life lest my own be forfeit. Besides, I've enough blood to answer for when the gods call me to them. I'll not add to it with your lives. (To the soldiers) Take these women to their chambers and find garments to cover them. Dress them yourselves if you must but cover them. And use as little force as possible. Hurt not these women or you'll pay with your lives. Off with you now. I must find Odysseus. (They exit.)

Scene: Helen's chamber where she and the servant cower. Menelaus enters with sword drawn and a group of soldiers behind him. He stops when he sees Helen.

Menelaus:

The strumpet is found.

Servant:

Whoever you are. You'll have to kill me before you get near my lady. I defy you, you monsters and demons of Greece.

Menelaus:

Take the servant and place her with the other women captives. I'll deal with Helen. (The soldiers drag the servant out screaming.)

Servant:

Lady, Lady, I won't leave you. I won't. Let me go! Damn you. I'll pull your roots out and make women of you. Let me go!

Menelaus:

You'll have no need of servants.

Helen:

She won't be harmed?

Menelaus:

No. But you will. You must pay for the pain and the horror that you've caused. Paris has paid already. Speared like a deer by three soldiers. A fitting death for a coward. Even his father fought to the end as old as he was. But not Paris. He died like an animal.

Helen:

And how am I to die?

Menelaus:

By my sword.

Helen:

Now?

Menelaus:

Now.

Helen:

Can I not be spared? I meant no harm. I loved him.

Menelaus:

How can you even ask me of all people for mercy? Ten years I've fought and killed and suffered for this moment. All of Argos has sacrificed, many have given their lives including the greatest of our heroes. How can you ask me of all people? You betrayed me with a coward, humiliated me in the eyes of my people. Stripped me of my manhood before Sparta. Do not ask me for mercy.

Helen:

Please, Menelaus. Make me a slave if you will. Take me to Sparta in chains. Denounce me before the world as a whore and a traitor but let me live. Paris is gone. There is no other man who can replace you now. Please, give me my life. I remember what it is that you like from a woman. I'll do it for you every day. I'll do it on the steps of the palace before the people of Sparta every day if you wish. Expose me to every indignity but spare my life. I beg of you, spare my life.

Menelaus:

I cannot. Don't ask me. Accept your fate. I'll let you cover your eyes.

Helen:

Will you use a bloodied sword?

Menelaus:

It's the blood of brave men. You have no cause to complain about them, though they may have cause of complaint about mingling their blood with yours. Do you wish to cover your eyes?

Helen:

No. If you're going to kill me, you'll have to look into my eyes when you do.

Menelaus:

If that's your decision. (He draws his sword up to strike.)

Helen:

No! Strike me here. (She opens her dress and bares her breasts.) It is here that I sinned; it is here that I should be punished. Cleave my heart for it was that which made me do what I have done. Do not strike my head. My mind knew that I was wrong but my heart controlled my actions. Strike me here. (Menelaus draws the sword to strike again but after a moment, he drops it to the floor.)

Menelaus:

I can't. May the gods forgive me I can't do it. You deserve death but I'm unable to be your executioner. I love you still. Coward that I am I love you still. (He drops to his knees and puts his arms around Helen's waist.) I will take you back to Sparta as my queen. You will rule with me again. You will be Helen of Sparta once more.

Helen:

The Greeks won't allow it.

Menelaus:

They will. They'll complain but they're pledged to protect and defend my marriage vows. Their oath will force them to accept.

Helen:

They'll hate you for it.

Menelaus:

When they see you they'll understand. Come. We'll leave for Sparta immediately.

Helen:

I follow, my lord. (They exit.)

Scene: Agamemnon's tent before which Agamemnon and Odysseus stand gazing at the tumbled walls of the city.

Agamemnon:

I won't feel any longing for this place when I've returned to Mycenae.

Odysseus:

No. Good riddance. We've been here too long. I'm impatient to return to Ithaca now that our work here is done.

Agamemnon:

We'll be leaving many here. All of Troy's treasure can't bring them back either.

Odysseus:

It was a just cause honorably undertaken. And profitable.

Agamemnon:

True. I can spend the remainder of my years in the knowledge that our cause was just, our actions honorable. And our profit fairly won. Will you wait until the fires have completed their work?

Odysseus:

No. I'm for home. My wife and son will not know me I've been away so long.

Agamemnon:

My family has awaited my return for just as long. I yearn to see them now. But I must wait until the fires have burned out. Farewell, Odysseus, and a fair voyage home.

Odysseus:

Thank you, general. I hope that you'll be among your family soon. (Odysseus exits. Agamemnon remains standing watching the burning of Troy. He then exits.)

Scene: Homer enters.

Homer:

And now have you witnessed the destruction of proud and mighty Illium, tumbled to rubble by the vanity of a woman and the lust of a boy. And mighty Agamemnon returns home to his fate as clever Odysseus spends a decade returning to Ithaca. But those are tales for another day. For now, we have finished with the love of Helen and Paris. (He exits.)

The End